Plant guide

Bellflower.

Campanula spp. L.

Pronounced kam-PAN-yoo-luh

Bellflowers are a diverse group of flowering plants known for their charming, bell-shaped blooms. They offer a wide variety of forms, from low-growing groundcovers to upright perennials, making them adaptable to many garden settings. Their ease of care and long blooming season are much appreciated by gardeners.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: Varies greatly; 0.5-6 ft tall, 1-3 ft spread
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

Care

Provide well-draining soil and consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering and helps maintain a tidy appearance. Divide overgrown clumps every few years to revitalize the plant.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once in spring as new growth appears.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms and cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring.
Repotting: Repot container-grown plants every 1-3 years to refresh soil and prevent root binding.
Soil: Well-draining loam
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Temperature: -23.3 to 26.7°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%

Safety

Pets: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Bell-shaped or star-shaped flowers
Often blue, purple, or white petals
Alternate or whorled leaves
Varying plant habits (spreading to upright)
Often lobed or toothed leaf margins

Height: 0.15 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: Green, deciduous
Flowers: Blue, Purple, White, Pink, 1 to 5cm

Growing it

Propagation: Division, Seed, Cuttings
When to plant: Spring, Fall

Is your bellflower looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.